I don't normally write reviews but as there seem to be so many people here dissing this with hardly any justified cause I had too. First the acting is brilliant. If you don't know who Lenny was these twitching mannerisms and psychotic gases are him to a T. I met the fella and the acting here might seem over the top but that is what he was like. Over the top. The rest of the cast is great too. The direction is spot on as well. Real menace to the piece. This is the British version of Chopper princess n my opinion. Like it or loath it. The real problem is the story just isn't very good. Nothing here about Lenny debut Collecting, running the doors in clubs in London, his criminal associations or any number of other much more interesting takes. No, this film is about three fights he had with Roy Shaw and how he treated a few people. I've no doubt the man (is specially in his younger days) was a psychopathic asshole. There's the usual explanation of an abusive adult, but really? No I don't think this explains or drive L Mc. So n conclusion a fine piece of work from all involved. Now go back and tell an interesting story about the enigma that was there s man. And to those dissing the acting and characterisation in the movie you really don't have a clue.
34 Reviews
Lenny, the daddy cool!
Reno-Rangan14 December 2017
Another boxing film based on a real person. Not exactly the sports film with actions you want to see. Because it is about the underground boxing theme with less traditional. So it is not like a real heroism story. Lanny, an orphan grew up with his abusive step-dad, developed a tough character. Being aggressive made him a champion at the barehanded street fights. With poverty ridden, now he's trying his luck on the underground boxing, which drastically brings a big change in his life.
Usually biographical film fascinates. Because their achievements are hard earned. So their rise in life inspires thousands of people who watch the film. This was not the same kind. But it had some good side too. The story was okay, though the performances totally annoyed me. That's the main reason I consider it an average. It might be the right depiction of the character Lenny, but cinematically not right. Maybe different cast would have brought different, appropriate result. Only being a biopic is the reason it's worth a watch, but nothing else worked for it.
6/10
Usually biographical film fascinates. Because their achievements are hard earned. So their rise in life inspires thousands of people who watch the film. This was not the same kind. But it had some good side too. The story was okay, though the performances totally annoyed me. That's the main reason I consider it an average. It might be the right depiction of the character Lenny, but cinematically not right. Maybe different cast would have brought different, appropriate result. Only being a biopic is the reason it's worth a watch, but nothing else worked for it.
6/10
It's a snippet of Lenny's boxing matches.
mitchikus9 August 2017
I agree people that had no idea who Lenny was will hate this, I'm a Londoner and this was a good bit of fun about a very small part of who Lenny was.
Watch it enjoy it they did a good job it's funny and sad but not at the same time.
Want more read the book.
Watch it enjoy it they did a good job it's funny and sad but not at the same time.
Want more read the book.
Time I'll never get back!
stuartb-8246816 December 2017
Do not waste your life watching this film, what a load of bollocks.
Even worse than the other film 'The Guvnor'
If you want the story of his life, read the book, and use your imagination. Don't get sucked into a shit film because you will never get the time back!!!
Decent
zacharymorg29 January 2021
Very familiar w the lenny mclean story and this film was a decent screen version of his brutal life. I loved watching the recreation of Lenny's infamous 3 fights w roy pretty boy shaw! Fans of This is England will enjoy a very familiar face as Lenny's wife. I did however have to agree w other reviews about the facial twitches/expressions of lenny, that was overdone! That being said you will enjoy this if you are into british gangster/street level stuff.
Life story?
alec-macarthur5 July 2017
A very thin slice of Lenny McLean's life washed clean to within an inch of none existence.
The real Lenny Mclean was a criminal, thug, enforcer, street fighter and unlicensed boxer, who was far from invincible and who also ducked out of many challenges from more skilled opponents.
Later in life McLean ended up as an actor too, before being struck down at just 49.
An interesting life that is pretty much ignored in this film.
Instead we are presented 'lovable rogue' stereotype keeping his neighbours safe, a cartoon character, and his three fights with Roy Shaw.
And if that wasn't enough, McLean's facial ticks are exaggerated to a crazy level, rendering him a gurning fool.
Not good. Avoid.
The real Lenny Mclean was a criminal, thug, enforcer, street fighter and unlicensed boxer, who was far from invincible and who also ducked out of many challenges from more skilled opponents.
Later in life McLean ended up as an actor too, before being struck down at just 49.
An interesting life that is pretty much ignored in this film.
Instead we are presented 'lovable rogue' stereotype keeping his neighbours safe, a cartoon character, and his three fights with Roy Shaw.
And if that wasn't enough, McLean's facial ticks are exaggerated to a crazy level, rendering him a gurning fool.
Not good. Avoid.
Watching a guy do face twitches the whole time
kimobettazzoni16 June 2017
I could not get through this film.
The guy who plays Lenny is continuously twitching his face in a very annoying manner that is so obviously fake that it pulls away your attention from the film continuously.
The whole underlip stretching is beyond absurd and annoying as hell.
Do not watch this, it's absolutely ridiculous.
The guy who plays Lenny is continuously twitching his face in a very annoying manner that is so obviously fake that it pulls away your attention from the film continuously.
The whole underlip stretching is beyond absurd and annoying as hell.
Do not watch this, it's absolutely ridiculous.
Worth a watch.
lunkin-5357124 October 2017
Don't understand all the negative reviews. Mclean was a loon who'd been severely abused as a youngster and had taken and administered many savage beatings. Hence the grimaces and grins and over the top behavior.
You didn't know him, so how would you know whether this was overplayed or not?
I thought the movie was funny, entertaining, mildly disturbing an incomplete story--a segment of his life.
You didn't know him, so how would you know whether this was overplayed or not?
I thought the movie was funny, entertaining, mildly disturbing an incomplete story--a segment of his life.
God Awful, A Waste Of 90 Minutes Of My Life........
chris_p_batter12 June 2017
I gave this film 1 star because I couldn't leave a zero star rating!!
What a load of old pony, making a hero out of this bully is an insult to the memory and family of Gary Humphries!!
If you're bored, or have a penchant for low budget and even lower quality 'English Gangster Flicks', such as all those crappy 'Essex Boy Drug Dealer' films, you'll probably like this load of old tosh too.
Can I have that 90 minutes back please?
What a load of old pony, making a hero out of this bully is an insult to the memory and family of Gary Humphries!!
If you're bored, or have a penchant for low budget and even lower quality 'English Gangster Flicks', such as all those crappy 'Essex Boy Drug Dealer' films, you'll probably like this load of old tosh too.
Can I have that 90 minutes back please?
Could be so much better
robertasmith12 June 2017
The dialogue is often what people outside of East London imagine it should be but is far from authentic. The humour that is often implicit in the language is missing. As for the main character, to see critics describe him as a hero is laughable. He may well have been know in unlicensed fighting, and in some of the cubs, but the average East Londoner in the 70's and 80's would not have known who he was. The actor playing McLean at least gets across the manic nature of McLean but his facial expressions are a bit OTT. In fact most of the acting is a bit naff with the exception of some of the more established thespians, who do their best with a script that is jerky and direction and post production that is not the best. There is a story to be told here but it needs better actors, a better crispy and much better direction.
Life story of an actor with a bad facial twitch & gurning problems.
Fibre_Optic2 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Josh Helman played Lenny with these OTT facial twitches & constant gurning, which was so off putting I nearly turned it off. Contrary to other reviews,the actors portrayal bare no resemblance to the real life Lenny. Anyone that doesn't believe that go on YouTube and watch the few interviews that are on there of Lenny in full Flow. Also the real Lenny was a 20 stone, muscled up monster and dwarfed Shaw in their fights, both in height and bulk. They didn't catch this difference in this film. They had a 6ft2 Josh Helman weighing no more than 15 stone, fighting Bisping playing Shaw who's the same size himself. In reality there was about 5 inch difference and at least 6 stone.
It was obvious to me that the Director had watched Bronson & tried to copy it, both in it's style & the bits of comedy they tried to introduce but it all doesn't really come off. They even put in the singing skit, which is straight off Bronson. I see why they did it because Lenny loved to sing Elvis songs and even brought out an album.
Even though the film sells itself as 'The life story of one of Britain's most notorious bare-knuckle fighters', the Story though is just too short and is just based mainly through a couple of years in his late 20's, when he fights a 40 odd year old Shaw 3 times and a little bit of bare knuckle fighting at the start.
Speaking of Shaw,having read his book I'd have much preferred to see his story on screen, although there would have been room for both interesting life stories. Shaw a man similar to Lenny in many ways but spent 18 years inside before coming out & fighting Lenny in his 40's. Then went on to make himself into a millionaire, through mainly real estate.
Going back to this film, they could have fleshed it out so much more both character wise and story wise. Starting at his early years as petty criminal, to bare knuckle fighter, to unlicensed boxer, to Doorman around London, debt collector & mob enforcer, the attempts on his life, his manslaughter charge, to finally him turning his life around & getting into acting plus writing his biography
Why though they felt the need to turn Lenny into some kind of lovable rogue type who sorted out the ills of his local Community is beyond me. Truth is the man was one of the biggest bullies Britain has seen, even his Cousin Frank Warren described him as "a terrible bully, Lenny. One of the biggest bullies you will ever meet, always intimidating people'. Which speaks volumes.
Apart from his role in Lock stock and his 3 fights with Shaw, he was just as famous back in the day for turning down fights, lying about his accomplishments and getting beat up by the likes of Johnny Waldron & Cliff Field.
If you know something about Lenny, especially his fights with Shaw it might be of interest and is entertaining at times. But other than that, it really doesn't do justice on what could have been another Bronson. Shame this was John Hurts final film.
It was obvious to me that the Director had watched Bronson & tried to copy it, both in it's style & the bits of comedy they tried to introduce but it all doesn't really come off. They even put in the singing skit, which is straight off Bronson. I see why they did it because Lenny loved to sing Elvis songs and even brought out an album.
Even though the film sells itself as 'The life story of one of Britain's most notorious bare-knuckle fighters', the Story though is just too short and is just based mainly through a couple of years in his late 20's, when he fights a 40 odd year old Shaw 3 times and a little bit of bare knuckle fighting at the start.
Speaking of Shaw,having read his book I'd have much preferred to see his story on screen, although there would have been room for both interesting life stories. Shaw a man similar to Lenny in many ways but spent 18 years inside before coming out & fighting Lenny in his 40's. Then went on to make himself into a millionaire, through mainly real estate.
Going back to this film, they could have fleshed it out so much more both character wise and story wise. Starting at his early years as petty criminal, to bare knuckle fighter, to unlicensed boxer, to Doorman around London, debt collector & mob enforcer, the attempts on his life, his manslaughter charge, to finally him turning his life around & getting into acting plus writing his biography
Why though they felt the need to turn Lenny into some kind of lovable rogue type who sorted out the ills of his local Community is beyond me. Truth is the man was one of the biggest bullies Britain has seen, even his Cousin Frank Warren described him as "a terrible bully, Lenny. One of the biggest bullies you will ever meet, always intimidating people'. Which speaks volumes.
Apart from his role in Lock stock and his 3 fights with Shaw, he was just as famous back in the day for turning down fights, lying about his accomplishments and getting beat up by the likes of Johnny Waldron & Cliff Field.
If you know something about Lenny, especially his fights with Shaw it might be of interest and is entertaining at times. But other than that, it really doesn't do justice on what could have been another Bronson. Shame this was John Hurts final film.
Could of been a good film
petermcconnell-073093 July 2017
Bad directing and annoying performance from the lead role, the life story of lenny mclean could be made into a great film, this film does not do it justice, the lead actor comes across as if he has tourettes, it only focuses on a small part of lennys life was disappointed in the film, hope a good film about lennys life gets made
On the verge of being great
jeneve-064089 July 2017
This was a really entertaining movie with good acting all round, If i have any gripes it's because it could have been a terrific film if it had dug a bit deeper as in Lenny's enforcing days and some of the gangsters he mixed with, I thought the weird scene with him singing wild thing could have been put to better use but British directors like to do this kind of thing for some unknown reason and it kind of spoils things a bit.That said it's well worth watching and even Michael Bisping was good.
Miscast and too forced
dan-990-92089912 June 2017
I was really excited about this film but unfortunately I couldn't even make it through. The shear blatant mis-cast for the lead role is just too much to bear. He's obviously done his homework but unfortunately Josh Helman comes across as an awkward and cringey caricature of Lenny. And did people really say boy that much?
In addition, the camera-work for the fights was absolutely awful, just a complete jumbled mess. Not sure if this was done on purpose to represent the atmosphere of the crazy east end unlicensed boxing nights, who knows.
They had a world class martial artist in Bisping playing Shaw, I'm sure they could have used him more and imitated the fights properly.
This film could have been great, but the casting let it down before it started. Better luck next time.
In addition, the camera-work for the fights was absolutely awful, just a complete jumbled mess. Not sure if this was done on purpose to represent the atmosphere of the crazy east end unlicensed boxing nights, who knows.
They had a world class martial artist in Bisping playing Shaw, I'm sure they could have used him more and imitated the fights properly.
This film could have been great, but the casting let it down before it started. Better luck next time.
Insult to the Great Legend
bgautham12 June 2017
Could not resist posting my first Review on IMDb
Just now i have seen this movie and i immediately checked the YouTube videos of Lenny's Personality and Fights, his real fights, body built, voice etc.. are noway compared to this movie.
I hope in future another director might pay little attention for a real time movie experience for the audience...
Just now i have seen this movie and i immediately checked the YouTube videos of Lenny's Personality and Fights, his real fights, body built, voice etc.. are noway compared to this movie.
I hope in future another director might pay little attention for a real time movie experience for the audience...
Irritating
nicola-j-peacock9 December 2017
Like everyone else, I just couldn't get past the absurd facial expressions. To the point that I had to c9me on here and see if anyone else hadn't mentioned it! I literally lasted 60 seconds. Why the director felt such stupid gurning was fitting and appropriate is beyond me. Stupid film, stupid facial expressions and a waste of time. Don't bother
Superb
dbirtles-6919413 June 2017
Excellent film, well acted. It has a real authentic 70's feel to it. I read Lennys book some years ago and that also deserves a film. Would have been nice to see some original fight footage with Roy Shaw mingled in, it's definitely available, I have all three on DVD. I think the Gov'nor would have approved.
How can you get something so wrong.
daveburnett-5825613 June 2017
I've read the books on McLean and was glad hear he would finally get one of his wishes, but I don't think the film does him justice at all. Lenny was a mountain of a man.. the guy who plays him looks about 10 stone! A real shame, awful acting .. director should be ashamed of this.
Overcooked lead
Johndor9112 December 2017
The lead actor was trying too hard to imitate the sensationalist role of Charles Bronson played by Tom Hardy. If you observe and compare with footage of Lenny McLean this title portrays him as stupid and neurotic- which he wasnt. Inaccurate and lack of depth or structure, director and producers have not done this story justice. This will go down in the pile of unmemorable British gangster dramas, which is a shame as the documentary "the Guv'nor" is far superior which gives potential for a great feature length film.
Oh dear!
grahammitchell-763331 August 2018
I wanted to like this but had to turn it off. The portrayal of Lenny made him look retarded, I can't believe his family were happy with it. Also the awful gurning and noises he kept making made him look like a clown. Poor.
Powerful, Intelligent and unrelenting
Girlystyle18 June 2017
Ron Scalpello has directed a great film with real flair on a shoe-string budget which leaves the viewer bloodied and battered... in a good way. I've always been fascinated by what makes a man so violent, well this film explains that very well. Strong performances from the main leads. John Hurt was amazing.
Overcooked
niaz_islam28 September 2017
It is supposed to be a film about Lenny McLean and his struggles in his life. But Josh Helman just ruin the character by terrible acting and awful impersonation.
Also the story was not well written, it didn't had any depth at all. The characters were weakly displayed, none of the characters had proper build up to give them a strong base.
It will be terrible mistake on your part if you go and watch the film because regardless of who you are it doesn't worth your time.
Not Recommended.
Also the story was not well written, it didn't had any depth at all. The characters were weakly displayed, none of the characters had proper build up to give them a strong base.
It will be terrible mistake on your part if you go and watch the film because regardless of who you are it doesn't worth your time.
Not Recommended.
Have put off watching this for quite some time
dairdubh29 January 2020
And I wish I'd left it longer.
An appalling film. There are some good shots, and some grand locations, but the acting - if one could call it that really lets it down. Particularly the lead. Not so much one dimensional as non-dimensional. This makes Eastenders look both believable and high art in comparison. Give it a miss.
An appalling film. There are some good shots, and some grand locations, but the acting - if one could call it that really lets it down. Particularly the lead. Not so much one dimensional as non-dimensional. This makes Eastenders look both believable and high art in comparison. Give it a miss.
Could have been better
mikethieme9 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Having read Lenny's book years ago, I always felt there could be a decent movie. This could have been it but unfortunetly the lead role was mis-cast. The constant gurning and eye twitching from start to finish was over the top and quite frankly ruined it. Lenny said himself he wanted Craig Fairbrass to portray him, and he was probably right.
Brilliant film
laurawall-1486728 June 2017
Outstanding film... beautifully brought to the screen. I thought josh Moulded in to Lenny to unbelievably, as for the rest of the cast, I thought that they all deserve huge credit for this film. Lennys stepfather Martin Askew played an amazing powerful role. Loved the humour and the on screen love between Lenny and his cousin Jon Jon. Watched this film 4 times since release. The behind the scenes extra on the DVD is amazing !!!
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